University of California Develops New Tool for Data Management Planning

A new tool developed by the University of California and several partner organizations helps researchers create data management plans and comply with federal requirements tied to research funding.

The free DMPTool (now in version 2) "guides researchers in creating plans that meet an array of funder requirements and provides embedded assistance and suggestions for successfully completing the plan," according to a statement from the UC Office of the President. Data management plans are currently required by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation, a policy that will expand to most federal agencies by next year.

The latest release of the tool allows plan creators to collaborate with colleagues, get institution-specific help and easily share their plans publicly or within their institution, according to the university. Plans can be customized with local branding, templates and assistance tailored to the institution.